The contributors to this anthology present a fascinating spectrum of research, dealing partly with Theophrast von Hohenheim (Paracelsus . ca 1493-1541 ) and partly with the scientific discourse on health and illness in general in the Early Modern Era in the context of religion and medicine. How did people view trained doctors, what did they think about the various teaching methods, or about balneology? What perspective did they take on the plague, and how was insanity viewed?

Paracelsus (Note: higher than Celsus) is often potrayed with mysterious powder Azoth or Zoth secredted in the pommel of his sword. In one of the arcane verses Nostradamus used the word Asotus, which may relate to this. From: